Hiking Petit Piton and the Best of St. Lucia

If you’re looking for an amazing Caribbean vacation spot, look no further than St. Lucia! One of the best things about St. Lucia is its incredible natural beauty. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, as well as lush rainforests and mountains. Even if you’re not ready for hiking Petit Piton, there’s plenty to explore on this island. Enjoy waterfalls, botanical gardens, diverse wildlife, and volcanos!

Best Time of Year to Visit

They say the best time to visit is between December and May, but these are the times when the rates are at their highest. I suggest going from late May to July when hotels, resorts, and villas are cheap and tourists are few. The weather is perfect in the mid-80s during the day and sunny, and low 70s at night. 

Hiking Petit Piton

When you fly into the island you’ll see the iconic landmarks; the twin volcanoes that tower over the coastline near Soufrière Bay. These are the Pitons; Gros Piton (2,530 feet) and Petit Piton  (2,438 feet). You can hike both of these to see absolutely stunning views of the entire island.

Gros Piton is about a 3-mile hike, and can be rocky and a bit vigorous. You’ll want hiking shoes, snacks, and plenty of water due to the quick elevation gain.

Petit Piton is another animal, this is less of a hike and more of a climb. It is not for the faint of heart or for the out-of-shape. It’s very steep, has lots of ropes and some sheer climbing. A guide is highly advised, we suggest Wayne (1758 714 5454 on WhatsApp) he’s amazingly patient and knows the climb well. He will also take you to the falls nearby for a relaxing soak. This is great to soothe any post-climb woes and he’ll fix you an amazing lunch! Whatever mountain you choose, be sure to have a hearty breakfast and be ready to see a once-in-a-lifetime view!

The (All) Public Beaches

If you are a beach person here’s some exciting news: every beach is deemed public by the government. So you can head to any resort, or a spot off the beaten path and have access to beautiful clear waters to snorkel, scuba dive, or swim. And because St. Lucia is still a relatively uncrowded spot, the beaches aren’t as busy as some of the other Caribbean islands.

Wildlife and Gardens

If you are looking to see plants and animals, the National Reserve or the Botanical gardens are a must-see. In the National Reserve, you will see the indigenous parrots which have been rescued from extinction by a local environmental program. You’ll wind your way through the rainforest and there are waterfalls and natural rock pools where you can swim. Head to the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. The gardens are well maintained and have many spots to sit, relax and take it all in. It’s a 6-acre attraction brimming with stunning foliage, including hibiscus, Ixora, and more. You can do the trail without a guide but a guide allows you to get information about the plants you’ll see. At the end of the trail, you’re reward is a view of Diamond Falls (55 feet). 

Island Cuisine

The island has a unique Creole cuisine that blends African, Indian, and French influences. You can find fresh seafood dishes, curries, rotis, and more. No meal is complete without a Piton Beer, named after the volcanoes of course. It’s a light pilsner that goes down easy on a warm day. If beer isn’t your thing try the delicious and local Bounty Rum.

So whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax on a beautiful beach, St. Lucia is the perfect spot for your next vacation! 

Read on: How to Protect Your Skin on Vacation.

Have you ever been to St. Lucia? What was your favorite part of the island? Let us know in the comments below!